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76 offshore, were mounting. The shortages of tires remained acute; and the general situation forced the reduction of ration coupon values throughout the Nation during the latter part of the year. In 1944 the situation was only a little eased; but there were adjustments of allocations and restrictions, in recognition of the essential role of transportation in the wartime economy. Replacement of worn-out equipment in freight and mass passenger transport became less difficult in the later months of the war; and there was an effort to provide replacement parts for all types of motor vehicles.



The story of wartime motor-vehicle transportation is one of adjustment to unprecedented conditions. Motorists and commercial users, in the face of shortages of equipment, tires, and gasoline, were forced to adapt their activities to burdensome governmental restrictions.